Background and objective: Beta-lactam antibiotics are widely used to treat infections because of their broad antibacterial spectrum and high tolerability. They are time-dependent, meaning that antibacterial effect is associated with the duration of time (T) the unbound (f) drug concentration exceeds minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Beta-lactams are traditionally administered by intermittent bolus infusions, but continuous infusions could in theory increase fT above the MIC and thereby increase bacterial killing and clinical outcome. Here, relevant published literature are reviewed and a comparison of the clinical outcome of administration of beta-lactam antibiotics by intermittent bolus infusion and continuous infusion is presented. Methods: A literature search was conducted using Medline and Embase with the keywords «continuous», «prolonged», «intravenous infusion» and «beta lactam». Results: 22 reviews were included. 6 reviews showed significantly higher clinical cure rate among patients receiving continuous infusion and 6 reviews showed no difference between patients receiving continuous and intermittent infusion. 7 reviews showed that mortality was significantly lower among patients receiving continuous infusion, while 6 reviews showed no difference between the two groups. 5 reviews were inconclusive. Conclusion: Continuous infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics should in theory improve clinical outcome compared to intermittent bolus infusions. Several in vitro and animal studies support this. Clinical studies suggest that continuous infusion could be beneficial, however the results and statistical quality of these studies vary. Large, high-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings, and possibly identify patient subgroups that will benefit the most from continuous infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics.